Preparing Young People for the Future of Work: BOOST/Crown Bank Launch Career Readiness and Mentorship Programme
BOOST, in partnership with Crown Bank, has launched the Future of Work, Career Readiness and Mentorship Programme to equip young people with the practical skills, networks and opportunities they need to navigate a changing world of work.
As the world of work continues to change, young people are entering a labour market shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, automation and changing employer expectations. For university students preparing to enter employment or entrepreneurship, an academic qualification is increasingly only part of the journey. Practical skills, professional networks, financial capability, mentorship and exposure to the workplace are becoming equally important.
To support young people through this transition, BOOST, in partnership with Crown Bank, launched the Future of Work, Career Readiness and Mentorship Programme, creating opportunities for students to build the skills, confidence and connections needed to navigate the changing world of work.
The programme began with a Career Readiness Programme at Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) on 26 August 2026, where 382 students participated under the theme “Preparing Students for the World of Work: Career Readiness, Talent and Opportunities.” Students explored what employers are looking for, workplace expectations and the importance of preparing for employment before graduation. An interactive question-and-answer session also gave students an opportunity to engage directly on their career concerns.
The programme was followed by its formal launch, during the Enactus National Competition which brought together 301 participants and stakeholders, including 148 students, alongside Faculty Advisors, alumni, private-sector representatives, panelists, judges, exhibitors and programme partners. The launch featured remarks from Dr Dennis Murekachiro, Director Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, and Ms Ndanatsei Nyamhunga, Crown Bank Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, who engaged with students and stakeholders during the launch.
The diverse participation highlighted the importance of collaboration between young people, universities, employers and professionals in creating stronger pathways from education into employment and entrepreneurship. The launch provided students with opportunities to engage with professionals and industry representatives while gaining insight into workplace realities, professional development and emerging career opportunities.
At the heart of the programme is a simple message: Career Readiness starts before graduation. Beyond academic qualifications, young people need communication, problem-solving, adaptability, digital skills, networking, financial literacy, leadership and an understanding of employer expectations. The programme brings these elements together through career development, mentorship, financial capability and industry exposure.
Through partnership, Crown Bank is contributing to employability, financial capability, mentorship and talent-pipeline development, creating opportunities for young people to gain practical financial knowledge, connect with professionals and access potential pathways to mentorship, internships, workplace exposure and future employment.
As implementation continues, BOOST and Crown Bank are strengthening the connections between education, industry and young talent helping young people move from simply preparing for a qualification to actively preparing for their future careers.
